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Oak Hollow GC in High Point, NC would be my (first) entry into this thread (great thread topic by the way). It's a Pete Dye design that has a lot of the unfair Dye slopes in the greens, with the normal Pete Dye risk/reward setup on several holes. I played it with some cousins during my family reunion and thought it was fantastic. We normally play Starmount Forest (I'm a ClubCorp member), Grandover, or Bryan Park (both have 36 holes and both are fine facilities), but I think I want to make Oak Hollow my preferred course when I go to visit my NC fam. For the price, it just can't be beat. I think we paid $40 on a Saturday morning (8am tee time) and it was definitely worth more than that with several holes on a large lake and excellent fairways and greens.

I do really like the layout but would love if this course changed to Bermuda greens. Playing at 8am is ok but later in the day the greens are pretty beat up in the summer. But they got to keep them long and watered.

It was a pretty nice crowd out there. I felt like, due to its location and some of the guys I saw playing the course, it’s not as appreciated as it should be. You’re right that with the right type of grass for the greens, it could be a MONSTER of a great course. I still plan to play it again. It was fun and very challenging. I definitely remember many of the holes after only playing it once compared to both Bryan Park courses and both Grandover courses, both of which I can only remember a few holes between the 72.

I used to live in Greensboro, and I loved playing this course. Conditions were often a bit rough, but the bones of the layout are great. It's early Dye with a number of interesting holes, a couple blind landing areas, and some great bunkering. Holes 6 and 7 are a great par 4/par 3 combo out along the lake. The par 4 asks you how much lake you want to bite off as the boomerang fairway curls around to the green, and the par 3 asks how much you're willing to tempt the railroad timbered bunker in front of a green that slopes away. It's a great track. (Though I'll also give a lot of love to Starmount and Bryan Park, which are really good courses. Next time you're there, try Tanglewood in Winston too.)

A few of my favorites for "hidden gems" / "good value" courses:Course: Glen Erin Golf ClubCity / State: Janesville, WIPrice Range: $25-50Website: https://www.gleneringolf.com/Description: For anyone going up to Erin Hills, Sand Valley, or Kohler this is one hell of a gem in SW Wisconsin. The course is usually in solid shape and feels like an "Erin Hills - light" test. Don't get me wrong, at the end of the day you'll know you're at Erin Hills vs Glen Erin, but the fact you can play Glen Erin 12-15x before you arrive at the cost of one round at the former is pretty special. The course is usually in very good shape with a comfortable pace of play.

I grew up in Janesville, unfortunately it has been years since I have been back to visit The City of Parks. I have made the trec back to WI to play both courses Whistling Straights and Blackwolf Run at the American Club, but I failed to take the additional time to venture back to my hometown and play Glenn Erin even after recommendations from friends, I now know that was foolish of me. This course has been added to my bucket list and I will make the effort to make it happen sooner rather than later. Imagine my surprise when I opened GolfWRX and read the Gem the Day was Glen Erin in Janesville WI.

A brief description of why you think it's a hidden gem (and please include a photo if you have one!): This course is one of my favorites in TN. Its challenging but playable. Ive played tournaments here as a junior, as well as state open qualifiers and mini tour events. It has zoysia fairways and bent grass greens. The maintenance crew does an amazing job and it is rarely busy. It is set in a small town away from a heavily populated area. When I am in Nashville I will happily make the hour and a half drive to play it.

Really fun tree-lined parkland layout with some interesting holes that cover rolling terrain that you don't find in many Chicago-area golf courses. Coming in at 7262 yards and 75.4/142 from the tips, Dunne offers 4 sets of tees that will provide a good test for most golfers. The course gets a lot of play, but it's always in great condition.

You sure that gem isn't cubic zirconia? GD loses its luster for me in two key areas, pace of play, and walking friendly. Unless one tees off at sunrise, rounds can be brutally long. The rangers don't give a sh*t about pace of play. I've had rounds of 5:45 and 6:10 there. After avoiding it for a few years I decided to give it another try this summer. I discovered that they now don't allow walking on weekend mornings, which is horsesh*t.

That said, the course is a tough layout with water coming into play on half the holes. There's also dense groves of trees lining many holes that are nearly impossible to hit out of.

Really fun tree-lined parkland layout with some interesting holes that cover rolling terrain that you don't find in many Chicago-area golf courses. Coming in at 7262 yards and 75.4/142 from the tips, Dunne offers 4 sets of tees that will provide a good test for most golfers. The course gets a lot of play, but it's always in great condition.

You sure that gem isn't cubic zirconia? GD loses its luster for me in two key areas, pace of play, and walking friendly. Unless one tees off at sunrise, rounds can be brutally long. The rangers don't give a sh*t about pace of play. I've had rounds of 5:45 and 6:10 there. After avoiding it for a few years I decided to give it another try this summer. I discovered that they now don't allow walking on weekend mornings, which is horsesh*t.

That said, the course is a tough layout with water coming into play on half the holes. There's also dense groves of trees lining many holes that are nearly impossible to hit out of.

I'll definitely concede that there's a pace issue on weekends. But I'd contend that, in order to achieve the sub-$50 criteria for this topic, playing it during the week makes the most sense. I've played weekday rounds in less than 4 hours as a single and a twosome multiple times.

And yes, it's a fairly tough course and requires some good shots, but I think it's a fun layout with nice elevation and directional changes. As for hitting out of the plentiful trees, I often just abandon those balls since there's a fair amount of poison ivy nestled in the woods.

Cape Arundel in Kennebunkport ME is $50 before May 18 or after October 2. I would think that after October 2, this Walter Travis course would be hidden gem. I haven't played it, but many Presidents have. That's good enough for me.

The course is well worth the price of admission. It's short, but tight and tough.

Gotta go with this old Donald Ross course in Cambridge, MA. Golf Course at Fresh Pond. It's where I played my first golf when I picked it up years ago, and every time I'm back I go and play. It can be a long round, but it's a great walk (don't ever ride this course). 9 Hole track that can be played twice.

A brief description of why you think it's a hidden gem (and please include a photo if you have one!)When I think of a hidden gem that I have played, I automatically think of Lick Creek. I was lucky enough to play a few high school tournaments at this course and it is the real deal. Bent grass fairways, a mix of open and tree lined holes, great hole shaping and it was always in good shape when I played it. It has a 3 hole stretch (5-7) that is called "The Devil's Triangle". It is owned and operated by the local park district. Totally unassuming and a great course. I wish it was closer to me

A brief description of why you think it's a hidden gem (and please include a photo if you have one!): This course is one of my favorites in TN. Its challenging but playable. Ive played tournaments here as a junior, as well as state open qualifiers and mini tour events. It has zoysia fairways and bent grass greens. The maintenance crew does an amazing job and it is rarely busy. It is set in a small town away from a heavily populated area. When I am in Nashville I will happily make the hour and a half drive to play it.

My family and I played this course a couple years ago on a golf trip and had a blast. I would say it's my second favorite in Tennessee to River Islands. It was packed that day, though. Amazing elevation change.

A brief description of why you think it's a hidden gem (and please include a photo if you have one!)When I think of a hidden gem that I have played, I automatically think of Lick Creek. I was lucky enough to play a few high school tournaments at this course and it is the real deal. Bent grass fairways, a mix of open and tree lined holes, great hole shaping and it was always in good shape when I played it. It has a 3 hole stretch (5-7) that is called "The Devil's Triangle". It is owned and operated by the local park district. Totally unassuming and a great course. I wish it was closer to me

I played the course in May 2016. In my review (http://www.golfwrx.c...0#entry13657194) I said, "Are you kidding me? What a gem. The fact that it's a muni adds to the charm. I mean, rolling tree lined holes for $37 with cart? You can't go wrong with that".

A brief description of why you think it's a hidden gem (and please include a photo if you have one!)When I think of a hidden gem that I have played, I automatically think of Lick Creek. I was lucky enough to play a few high school tournaments at this course and it is the real deal. Bent grass fairways, a mix of open and tree lined holes, great hole shaping and it was always in good shape when I played it. It has a 3 hole stretch (5-7) that is called "The Devil's Triangle". It is owned and operated by the local park district. Totally unassuming and a great course. I wish it was closer to me

I played the course in May 2016. In my review (http://www.golfwrx.c...0#entry13657194) I said, "Are you kidding me? What a gem. The fact that it's a muni adds to the charm. I mean, rolling tree lined holes for $37 with cart? You can't go wrong with that".

#6 - The daunting par 5 tee shot

I haven't played there in 10 years and I still have nightmares about the tee shot at the 6th

Description: Bruce Borland, a native of Bartonville, IL had the original plans for Coyote Creek with him on the plane that tragically crashed with him, Payne Stewart and several others. Borland was working for Nicklaus Designs at the time and I believe Nicklaus allowed several of his people to help finish the Coyote Creek project. Coyote Creek stands as the world's only Bruce Borland Signature Golf Course. All that said this course carved in the hills just outside of Peoria is definitely a hidden gem. I believe a Hooters Tour event was hosted there back in the day. Combined with Lick Creek which also gets a mention in this post, Peoria, IL can be a great and inexpensive golf destination.

A brief description of why you think it's a hidden gem (and please include a photo if you have one!)When I think of a hidden gem that I have played, I automatically think of Lick Creek. I was lucky enough to play a few high school tournaments at this course and it is the real deal. Bent grass fairways, a mix of open and tree lined holes, great hole shaping and it was always in good shape when I played it. It has a 3 hole stretch (5-7) that is called "The Devil's Triangle". It is owned and operated by the local park district. Totally unassuming and a great course. I wish it was closer to me

I played the course in May 2016. In my review (http://www.golfwrx.c...0#entry13657194) I said, "Are you kidding me? What a gem. The fact that it's a muni adds to the charm. I mean, rolling tree lined holes for $37 with cart? You can't go wrong with that".

#6 - The daunting par 5 tee shot

I haven't played there in 10 years and I still have nightmares about the tee shot at the 6th

I love playing that course, itís the best ďpark districtĒ golf course Iíve played and yea the tee shot on 6 is prob one of the most challenging tee shots Iíve had. A lot of nature too, deer running across the fairway at times.

Played a few high school tournaments plus 2 years of sectionals at Lick Creek. Some of those shots are knee wobblers, think my best competitive round there was an 80 (45-35). That 3 hole stretch blew up a lot of scorecards (5/6/7? or 4/5/6?) can't remember exactly.

Played a few high school tournaments plus 2 years of sectionals at Lick Creek. Some of those shots are knee wobblers, think my best competitive round there was an 80 (45-35). That 3 hole stretch blew up a lot of scorecards (5/6/7? or 4/5/6?) can't remember exactly.

My senior year there I shot 77. Played the Devil's Triangle in +5 and played the other 15 holes in E. It can definitely jump up and grab you

Course Name: Hominy Hill Golf CourseCity, State: Colts Neck, NJPrice Range: $30-45 Residents (Over $50 for Non-Residents)Course Website: http://www.hominyhill.com / https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com​Brief Description: For a course that's part of a county park system, its meticulously maintained with fast greens but also provides penalizing rough. It's designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and is just a classic beautiful parkland design. There's no "gimmicky" holes and a great course to walk. It's an absolute steal for residents but still worth the price for non-residents. It may not be a hidden gem for golfers in New Jersey, but probably is for anyone outside the state considering its location in the suburbs and away from the most popular tourist areas in the state.

Mascoutin is not a long course but is very challenging. Narrow fairways, tree lined and sloping greens make it tough to put up a good score. It has 27 holes and people from all over the country come to play the blue nine. The course is always in immaculate shape and the greens roll perfect. Its only about 10 minutes from Lawsonia so makes for a perfect addition to anyone going to play the links. Course is by a small town and rarely busy. I could count on one hand the amount of times I actually had to wait to hit. Staff is always friendly and willing to help. Always have nice carts and seeing deer, bald eagles, turkeys and hawks is quite common during your round. They also have an awesome junior program for growing the game. If you are coming to Wisconsin to play, this is a true gem for under $50.

A brief description of why you think it's a hidden gem (and please include a photo if you have one!) It has been a few years since I golfed here, but I after playing it for one full summer it is a course I truly do miss. It is home to the University of South Dakota golf and isn't necessarily the toughest course out there, but it is fair. Scroll down to https://www.thebluff.../golf/scorecard to see the one blind bluff shot that is gorgeous. Holes 13-16 are amazing holes that make you make big choices on how to attack the green.

This Steve Smyers design plays across gently-rolling terrain and features the nicest sub-$50 conditioning you will ever see (bentgrass tees, fairways, and greens with bluegrass rough). Shot values start high and stay there throughout the round, and the rhythm of the holes balances legit scoring opportunities with tough pars. Such a great track!

This Jeff Brauer design is a RIDICULOUS sleeper with perhaps the most memorable green sites I've ever played. The par 5 7th plays to a kidney-shaped green that's nearly 70 yards long and features a few different plateaus. The long par 3 16th—one of my favorite holes anywhere—is a classic Biarritz with a 5-foot-deep swale cutting right through the middle. Honorable mention goes to the short par 4 11th which properly balances risk with reward and goads players to bite off as much as they can (a personal pet peeve is the overly-penal short 4 that makes it stupid to do anything but lay up).

Nevel Meade is outstanding. Have played it many times and enjoyed every minute. As the OP stated, a great value for the quality of this course.

A brief description of why you think it's a hidden gem (and please include a photo if you have one!) It has been a few years since I golfed here, but I after playing it for one full summer it is a course I truly do miss. It is home to the University of South Dakota golf and isn't necessarily the toughest course out there, but it is fair. Scroll down to https://www.thebluff.../golf/scorecard to see the one blind bluff shot that is gorgeous. Holes 13-16 are amazing holes that make you make big choices on how to attack the green.

It's definitely a solid track, and would agree the back 9 is definitely more exciting than the front. It's on the bluffs of the Missouri River, but no holes are along the river and you have no views of the river on the course. It's a couple of miles from the river itself. However, given the affordability, the condition usually being good to great and some great tee shots it's a gem for sure!

Classic Donald Ross built in 1928. Very flat besides the elevated greens, but all holes surround by mature trees. Always in very good condition. Extensive renovations in the last couple of years to bring it back to the original Ross design. Hosted MacKenzie tour a few years ago. Being a muni it can get a tad slow on weekends.
When you get to the huge oak on #11 look to your left and wave, I may wave back.

A brief description of why you think it's a hidden gem (and please include a photo if you have one!):
This is a RTJ, Sr course design at its best. Itís LONG and tough with what seems like 18 elevated greens (I exaggerate, but there are quite a few), and the greens all have their own personality. Itís always maintained VERY well and the staff is super friendly. They have coupon deals regularly that allow golf with a cart for under $35, which makes it a complete steal. To top all of that off, youíre right next to campus and near downtown Athens, which is the perfect spot for some good eats and drinks post-round. My group made it a weekend trip where we paired it with rounds at the Georgia Club and Hamilton Mill on the way back into Atlanta. It was an awesome weekend!!!!

Fun course to play in Birmingham. Great views of the city on several holes. Some challenging holes but some easy short par 4's to offset. Great price to get some solid conditions and generally pure rolling bentgrass greens. For the price you will not find a better spot in Bham - especially considering proximity to everything downtown/five points area.